CONSEQUÊNCIAS DECORRENTES DO USO INDISCRIMINADO DE ANTIMICROBIANOS DURANTE A PANDEMIA DA COVID-19 NO BRASIL

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic represented one of the greatest global health challenges of recent decades, causing significant impacts on healthcare systems and directly influencing the therapeutic practices adopted during the pandemic period. In this context, the widespread use of antimicrobials was observed, often employed empirically, even in cases of viral infection. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the consequences of the extended use of antimicrobials during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, especially regarding the development of antimicrobial resistance. The general objective of this study was to discuss the consequences resulting from the extended use of antimicrobials during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. This is a bibliographic research of qualitative nature and descriptive approach, developed through the analysis of scientific articles, books, official documents, and publications from national and international health organizations, obtained from databases such as Google Scholar, SciELO, and PubMed. The results demonstrated that there was extensive use of antimicrobials during the pandemic, especially macrolides such as azithromycin, even without consistent scientific evidence proving effectiveness against COVID-19. It is concluded that combating antimicrobial resistance requires integrated strategies focused on the rational use of antimicrobials, strengthening public policies, health surveillance, and health education, aiming to minimize the impacts resulting from the inappropriate use of these medications.